Rescue Mission: Stories of Survival from Abandoned Cats in the Abu Dhabi Desert
Over 140 cats abandoned in Abu Dhabi desert sparks global outrage, triggering government probe and condemnation from animal rights groups
A group of residents in the United Arab Emirates has discovered over 140 cats abandoned in a desert lot in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. This incident has received condemnation from international animal rights organizations and has sparked a government inquiry.
Trapped in their carriers or roaming the desert with no access to sustenance, shelter, or water, various breeds of cats, including Persians and non-native varieties, were left to perish, reports Chiku Shergill, a resident of Abu Dhabi who actively participated in the rescue operation.
These abandoned animals were discovered in al Falah, a residential area in Abu Dhabi, situated across the highway from the government-run Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter. When contacted, the shelter informed CNN that they had no knowledge of the incident and declined to provide any additional comments.
Rescuers have discovered a tragic sight in the lot—a total of 50 lifeless cats were found, while courageously saving 95 cats since September 28. Notably, a heroic rescue effort also saved a golden retriever dog, although it was disheartening to find a husky deceased. The presence of microchips on some of the animals indicated that they were not homeless strays.
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Abu Dhabi city experiences scorching September temperatures that soar up to a staggering 40.5C (105F). Moreover, desert areas may witness even higher temperatures during daytime. This situation has garnered disapproval from various international animal rights organizations and activists.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights organization, is currently offering a reward of $5,000 for any information regarding the individuals responsible for abandoning these cats in the desert, stated Jason Baker, Vice-President of PETA Asia, in a statement to CNN. Baker emphasized that this act of cruelty should not be ignored and emphasized that the solution to the issue of homeless animals lies in promoting spaying and neutering, as well as encouraging adoptions from shelters that are often understaffed and overwhelmed. PETA Asia has been advocating for these measures to be made mandatory in the UAE for several years.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi announced on Wednesday that an investigation would be conducted into the incident. They urged the public to provide information about the incident and are actively implementing measures to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for it. Dr. Katherine Polak, Vice President of Companion Animals at Humane Society International, expressed satisfaction with the authorities' commitment to addressing the issue.
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Shergill reported that the dedicated rescue team is tirelessly working day and night, sacrificing their personal time off work, to rescue and protect the deserted cats. Their efforts include microchipping the felines and ensuring they are placed in suitable forever homes.
Ten pet cats from Dubai, located an hour's drive away from Abu Dhabi, were successfully reunited with their homes after being identified using microchips.
In 2008, Abu Dhabi launched the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter's Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, aiming to effectively manage the population of feral and stray cats.
According to the TNR program, it adheres to "international animal welfare guidelines" and asserts that the animals are returned to their original capture sites. The International Organization for Animal Protection (OIPA) stated that there are numerous "dumping sites" for animals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, emphasizing that this occurrence is not an isolated event. The organization further mentioned that it has been advocating for the welfare of stray animals in the UAE for several years.
